*Photo : Sheikh Sikirulahi Babalola*
Ambassador Sarafa Tunji Isola has expressed deep sorrow on the death of Sheikh Sikirulahi Babalola, the Chief Imam of Yewaland and President of the League of Imams and Alfas in Ogun State.
In a condolence message on Monday, Ambassador Isola who is the Baba Adinni of Ogun State and the Baba Adinni of Yorubaland, Edo, and Delta States said “With total submission to the will of Almighty Allah, my family and I received with deep sorrow the news of the passing of the Chief Imam of Yewaland and President of the League of Imams and Alfas in Ogun State, Sheikh Sikirulahi Babalola, who returned to his Creator on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at the venerable age of 98.”
He pointed out that “Indeed, the Muslim Ummah in Yewaland, Ogun State, and beyond has lost a foremost Islamic scholar, a spiritual father, a voice of wisdom, and a bridge-builder whose life was dedicated to the service of Allah and humanity.
“Allah says in the Holy Quran:
“Every soul shall taste death. And only on the Day of Resurrection will you be paid your full recompense.”— Surah Aal-Imran (3:185)
“The late Sheikh Sikirulahi Babalola lived an exemplary life of piety, humility, discipline, scholarship, and unwavering devotion to Islam. His decades of spiritual leadership brought peace, moral guidance, and unity to countless faithful across Ogun State and Nigeria at large.
As Chief Imam of Yewaland and President of the League of Imams and Alfas in Ogun State, Baba distinguished himself as a custodian of truth, justice, and Islamic values. His wise counsels, fatherly disposition, and relentless commitment to the advancement of Islam will remain indelible in our hearts.”
Amb Isola added that “At this moment of grief, my family and I deeply commiserate with the entire Muslim Ummah in Ogun State, the League of Imams and Alfas, the people of Yewaland, his immediate family, associates, disciples, and all those whose lives were positively touched by the late Sheikh.
“We pray that Almighty Allah (SWT), in His infinite mercy, forgives his shortcomings, accepts his lifelong service to Islam as an act of Ibadah, grants him Al-Jannatul Firdaus, and gives the Muslim Ummah the strength and fortitude to bear this monumental loss.
“The legacy of Sheikh Sikirulahi Babalola shall continue to inspire generations yet unborn.”